3.5

Dan Balaguy

Mathematics - Sierra College

3.5
Quality
4.4
Difficulty
43%
Would Retake
279
Reviews
3.5
Quality
4.4
Difficulty
3.6
Helpful
3.3
Clarity

43%

Would Retake

279

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

123

4

44

3

35

2

23

1

54

What Students Say

He talks extremely fast and is almost impossible to keep up with in lect

MATH31 - 2.0 rating

The only things graded are tests and quizzes

MATH012 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

33%

Textbook Required

59%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

95% confidence
Based on 80 grades
Most common grades:
A (20)
B (19)
Drop/Withdrawal (12)
Grade Distribution
A(24)B(21)C(14)D(21)F(6)A-/B+(6)
Based on 107 reported grades
A: 20
B: 19
Drop/Withdrawal: 12
Not sure yet: 11
Common Tags
Tough grader (52)
Test heavy (37)
Respected (21)
Skip class? You won't pass. (20)
Caring (15)
Accessible outside class (15)
Lecture heavy (15)
Get ready to read (15)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.78 avg change
Nov
Dec
Jan
Apr
May
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MATHTRIG

5.0

(1)

MATH16A

5.0

(2)

CALC01

5.0

(2)

MATH

5.0

(3)

MATH3133

5.0

(1)
+55 more courses
Difficulty by Course

MATHTRIG

5.0

MATH3133

5.0

ALLMATH

5.0

MATH830

5.0

CALC3

5.0

Reviews (279)
5.0
5.0
MATHTRIG
Nov 24, 2003

Amazing guy. Lectures are wonderful and he is quite entertaining! Can explain even the most difficult of concepts. However, VERY difficult tester! You have to really know your stuff!

5.0
4.0
MATH16A
Dec 1, 2003

No Comments

5.0
4.0
MATH29
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Feb 25, 2004

I'm currently in math 31 at another school and I keep thinking back at how effective Balaguy was at teaching and wishing that I would end up with a teacher like him again. He's hard but he explains everything perfectly. The most effective math teacher I'v

3.0
5.0
MATH30
May 20, 2004

No Comments

5.0
3.0
CALC01
Jun 1, 2004

One of the best professors I have ever had. Great explanations and analagies. Seems to be great at adapting to all students and diverse learning styles. He is a real gem for a junior college!

5.0
4.0
MATH30
Jun 22, 2004

By far the best math teacher I have ever or will-ever have at explaining and understanding the coursework. He does however, like to challenge his students on his tests which are some of the hardest tests I have ever taken.

5.0
4.0
MATHD
Aug 22, 2004

he is very hyper

5.0
3.0
MATHD
Aug 24, 2004

Great teacher, made math fun even to someone that does not care for it. He will help with anything you need help on

5.0
4.0
MATH33
Grade: A+
Sep 28, 2004

I am currently taking his class and so far he is a wonderful teacher. He is very excited about teaching and it can easily be seen. His knowledge of mathematics is extensive and it allows him to explain things very well.

5.0
5.0
MATH31
Oct 26, 2004

Will help you with any question you have, but expects a lot out of you.

5.0
5.0
CALC
Oct 30, 2004

Astounding teaching. Took him when attending Sierra, far better than anyone I've seen here at my new University. But his tests are incredibly hard, be prepared to MEMORIZE tables of integrals. We once had a quiz no one in the class passed. Only once I know of did he give a take home exam portion.

5.0
4.0
MATH30
Nov 23, 2004

He makes an otherwise boring class enjoyable with his enthusiasm and knowledge.

5.0
3.0
MATH
Dec 12, 2004

I never had Mr. Balaguy but spent MANY hours in J7. He was always willing to help even though I was not in his class. He would anwser my questions with questions that help me "understand" rather than just get the answer.

5.0
5.0
MATH3133
Jan 22, 2005

Best teach I’ve ever had. If you just want to take a math class to pass and fill your general edit, never take Professor Balaguy. But if you want to learn and understand the material he is the best you can get. His classes are very hard though.

5.0
4.0
MATH30
Jan 30, 2005

Best Teacher to Learn Real Math.

5.0
3.0
MATH
Feb 16, 2005

Hands down the greatest teacher i have ever had.

5.0
4.0
MATH33
Feb 27, 2005

One of the most intelligent math teachers I have ever encountered in my life. There isn't a math question, at least at our level of sophistication, that he does not know, period. Very approachable and a really cool guy. Be prepared to study though!!! No free rides here.

5.0
4.0
MATH29MATH31
Mar 7, 2005

Balaguy's the best teacher that I have had and I'm sure I'll ever have. Knows every answer to every question and explains in more ways than one. Taking his class has even led me to become a math major because he shined a whole new light on math.

3.0
5.0
MATH12
Apr 28, 2005

incredibly hard to follow, but he is a very nice guy

5.0
3.0
SUBSTITUTEONCE
May 6, 2005

Balaguy subsituted for my professor once, from the one class session I had with him I was able to understand more about Math 31 than I ever had before. He is an excellent teacher, very animated, and EXTREMELY helpful!!

5.0
4.0
MATH3315
May 17, 2005

Balaguy is the most knowledgable person of his field that I know of. He is very committed to helping you understand the principles behind the questions and is a great guy. However, his classes are NOT easy. He expects you to know everything you learned in any previous math classes you have taken. At the end of his class, you WILL know the material.

4.0
5.0
MATH33
Jun 6, 2005

Very nice guy , but classes can be hard to follow if you are not well prepared, goes really really fast. Exams are very very hard.

5.0
3.0
MATH33
Jul 11, 2005

A Great Teacher with gr8 passion. Explains everything very clearly. He likes if you ask questions, and he would be glad to help you with his incredible knowladge. Tests are not hard, but he expects students to know everything if they don't ask question :) Class is full of fun.

5.0
5.0
MATH
Aug 11, 2005

Easily the best math teacher I've ever had, and easily among one of my favorite professors ever. His tests will be thorough and extensive, but he will have clearly explained all the material presented. He is very entertaining, but never distracts from the material (aside from the occasional anecdote).

5.0
4.0
ALL
Aug 31, 2005

Such an awesome teacher and person! Will help you out any way he can, loves what he does and knows his stuff. Makes math interesting and wants everyone to succeed!

5.0
2.0
MATHD
Sep 5, 2005

Take it from someone who absolutely hates math, Balaguy is the best teacher you could possibly ask for. He actually makes class fun to go to because he's so energetic about math, and always makes sure that the whole class understands. He also explains th

5.0
3.0
MATHD
Sep 24, 2005

good teacher, but he's CrAzY!

3.0
3.0
MATHA
Sep 26, 2005

Hes really wacky and seems like a nice guy but i did terrible in his class. i dunno whose to blame for that cuz i did much better with other teachers.

5.0
5.0
MATH32
Sep 30, 2005

HE IS A WONDERFUL GUY AND A WONDERFUL TEACHER. i love his class and i ACTUALLY learn something and understand it. if u really want to learn math and always remember it for the rest of ur life take Balaguys class becuase he makes it fun and interesting to learn

4.0
4.0
MATH30CALC
Oct 5, 2005

Good overall teacher. Only tests and quizes. His quizes seem to be harder than the tests. Just stay on top of everyhing. Dont fall behind and dont try to catch up to everthing the day before tests.

3.0
5.0
MATH32
Grade: B
Oct 6, 2005

He is a nice and quirky guy that can make you laugh but he runs a little fast when it comes to the material. If your ready for a fast pace class then he is the teacher for you but unfortunately I was not.

4.0
3.0
MATH31
Nov 9, 2005

Mr.Balaguy is a nice guy. He does know his material and is very smart, but I didn't like his teaching style. He does teach a little fast in my opinion.

4.0
2.0
MATH32
Dec 7, 2005

Calculus II beyond was difficult, I passed with a B. Dan is flamboyant, fast paced and silly. His teaching style didn't always work. I wouldn't recommend him but there were only two available C Myers or Dan. However, I hear that K. Lucero is an awesome easy teacher, Dan wouldnt be my first choice but in my case he was my last resort. He is NOT HOT!

4.0
2.0
MATHD
Jan 19, 2006

he is a good teacher, very helpful if asked yo do any problem on the board but he is alittle confusing.

5.0
4.0
CALCULUSII
Jan 19, 2006

A butt-load of work, there's no question. Balaguy makes sure when you leave the room that you have the tools you need to get your HW done. He forces you to think outside the box a lot, which can make it difficult. He his very clear in his descriptions, just don't let him talk at a 1000 words a minute!!

1.0
5.0
ALLMATH
Mar 17, 2006

No Comments

3.0
4.0
MATH30
Mar 21, 2006

His lectures are okay but pulls questions out of his azz when it comes to exams.

5.0
4.0
MATH33
May 12, 2006

I love his teaching approach but his exams hard and he tends to cover a lot of material in too little time. Always willing to help outside of class though.

5.0
5.0
MATH830
May 19, 2006

Mr. Balaguy is probably the best math teacher at Sierra. Although his tests are insanely difficult, his exceptional teaching and extreme helpfulness makes them possible, if you're so inclined to take his class seriously. If you have any love for math whatsoever, he'll bring it to light! At higher levels, homework is not required, just recommended.

3.0
1.0
CALC
Jun 17, 2006

Way too much work

1.0
4.0
SUBSTITUTE
Jun 24, 2006

yuck!

3.0
4.0
CALC1
Aug 1, 2006

Uses a diferent language and does not tell you what he means. You need a balaguy nerd dictionary to keep up with him. He does not teach what is on the tests. He prepares you to teach yourselves what you need to know.

4.0
4.0
CALC32
Sep 15, 2006

Mr. Balaguy is a great teacher. Everyone with negative complaints should stop being such babies, because his style of teaching is what "real" college is like. He says "jeepers" quite often which is entertaining, and he has piercing in his left ear: this makes him somewhat mysterious.

5.0
5.0
MATH32
Sep 28, 2006

He's probably one of the hardest instructors you will ever have but he's THE BEST and if you are ABLE to pass his class then you'll most likely know more about the subject than most. His exams don't LOOK like HW questions cuz u have to TIE CONCEPTS in together & that's why they're HARD. In any case he's awesome & everyone should stop whining!!

5.0
5.0
CALC3
Sep 29, 2006

If you have a chance, take a class with him early in your math series (trig, precalc, or calc 1). His teaching style is excruciatingly hard but very effective, so if you are willing to give your 110% in one of his classes it will really pay off in the future.

5.0
3.0
MATH012
Oct 3, 2006

This guy is so good at teaching! He actually cares whether you're getting it or not. Algebra in high school did not click for me, so 20 years later, I was pretty nervous about taking it in college. Not to worry! If you don't get it the first time, he will show you from different angles until you do. He could give some teachers lessons!

5.0
3.0
MATH33
Oct 11, 2006

Indeed, he is a very good professor.

1.0
5.0
MATH30
Oct 26, 2006

This guy talks to fast you can't keep up with him. Expects you to know everything like the back of your hand. Extremely hard exams, not representational of the knowledge you really need to know. Talks above the class most of the time and only the people who have taken the class before really get it. No notes, no graphing calc allowed on exams.

1.0
4.0
SUB008
Dec 7, 2006

I had Balaguy as a sub for Trig, and about 20 minutes into the class I just stopped paying attention. He talks too fast and jumps around a lot, plus I have to admit it was hard to focus with his humourous flamboyance distracting me. It was just very different and the constant use of the word "jeepers" made me giggle more than learn.

5.0
5.0
MATH29
Dec 9, 2006

BEST MATH TEACHER... no other teacher in my life has explained and been so passionate about what they teach. Very Very Very great teaching methods that stick in you and make sense... Problem is that the EXAMS ARE IMPOSSIBLE! I spent hours studying days before the test and only manage to get a low B on the tests and i'm a 4.0 student

5.0
4.0
MATH18
Dec 11, 2006

he is good

5.0
5.0
MATH30
Dec 16, 2006

If you just want to get by, don't take Mr. Balaguy. But if you want to understand and build a solid foundation in math, he's Sierra's best. Drop rates are high and don't expect an A, but he knows his stuff and can explain it like no other. His superb teaching for Math 30 gave me an advantage in 31, 32 and 33. Excellent teacher, just very difficult!

2.0
5.0
DEMATH
Jul 7, 2007

If you care about your gpa and have another option in professors I would advise not to take Dan's class!

3.0
5.0
MATH29
Aug 21, 2007

Dan is a very interesting guy. He was my first ever college professor (I'm a sop****re) - I took him Fall 2006. I've taken 10 classes since Fall 2006 and I've gotten nine A's and one C. Balaguy was the one C. I'm a 4.0 student - i studied hard, he seemed to be a good teacher, but the exams were just impossible for me.

5.0
5.0
MATH33
Aug 31, 2007

Mr. Balaguy is the best professor I have ever had without a doubt. For all you whiners, I took Calc II and the six unit math class from him, and got B+'s both times without too much studying- that's how good of a teacher he is. Easily the most passionate and dedicated teacher i know. Yes, drop rate is high, but that is for those who can't hang.

5.0
5.0
MATHMATH
Oct 30, 2007

No Comments

5.0
5.0
MATHB
Nov 7, 2007

Balaguy is difficult, make no mistake. In the class I took, everyone but two or three people failed most every test to the point that everyone had to retake them. Besides his difficulty, Dan is so passionate about what he teaches that I couldn't help but feel excitement at attending class. A really wonderful teacher who makes class fun.

5.0
3.0
MATH29
Dec 13, 2007

This guy is a fantastic teacher. He doesn't just show you the techniques, he shows you why they work. He is intensely passionate about his subject. His tests aren't bad as long as you've been keeping up in the homework and have been paying close attention in class. One of the best math instructors at Sierra, if not the best.

5.0
5.0
MATH29
Dec 20, 2007

Awesome teacher. hands down the best math teacher i've ever had. You must go everyday though, or you will fall behind.

5.0
4.0
DE33
Jan 11, 2008

difficult subject but I learned a lot. great teacher but really really difficult exams.

4.0
5.0
MATH15
Jun 4, 2008

Dan is INCREDIBLY hard. However, he is easily the best and most knowledgeable Math professor at Sierra. His tests require that you can piece together parts of different things that were taught in order to complete a problem that you've never seen before. Everything is relevant to what is taught, though. Overall, this guy is excellent.

3.0
4.0
MATH17
Jun 26, 2008

Awful class!!!! I never understood anything he taught, that would be because he NEVER taught us anything!!! He would give us pages and let us go at them.. never take this subject with him!!!!

4.0
4.0
TRIG08
Jun 29, 2008

This teacher is excellent. I did not score high in the class, but it is because he continually challenges his students with all of the information that he has provided them with. Prof. Balaguy integrates all of the material learned though out the class together, resulting in a better understand of how all of the mathematics works together.

2.0
5.0
MATH8
Jul 1, 2008

This teacher was very difficult. I do not recommend him to anyone. He speaks a language that is too hard to understand. His tests are extremely hard. He doesn't even give you a review guide. He started using a new book and doesn't even go by it. That made it so hard to understand. He is unorganized.

1.0
5.0
CALC31
Oct 21, 2008

Decent at teaching but his tests are impossible! they do not reflect what he teaches in class and hes extremely hard to follow! hard to get in contact with, almost never replies to emails.

1.0
5.0
MATHOOD
Nov 4, 2008

Balaguy was very hard to understand. His vocabulary was too complex, and i found myself trying to figure out what he was saying rather than listening. He talks to fast, and his tests don't reflect the quizes, homework, or lectures. I would only suggest you take this class if you are repeating or would love to spend a lot of time in the lab.

4.0
4.0
MATH31
Nov 19, 2008

AWSOME! really tries to help you...IF YOU ASK QUESTIONS! he does talk really fast but it keeps you paying attention. if he skips too many steps just stop him and have him go back. he loves what he does and i would highly recomend him for UPPER DIVISION. i have heard he can be hard to understand in lower division classes. great sense of humor too

5.0
3.0
MATH31
Nov 21, 2008

Mr. Balaguy is the BEST math instructor at Sierra! He is VERY knowledgeable in mathematics and uses a veriety of ways to help students understand. He does use math terminology/vocab but in math it is crucial as a student to familiarize ur self w/those terms. For myself I have noticed the more familar I am with the math terms the better I do.

3.0
5.0
MATH030
Dec 8, 2008

DO NOT TAKE MATH 30 WITH BALAGUY. One of the worst teachers I have ever had. The class is extremely difficult. His tests are unfairly difficult. His handwriting is atrocious and you can't understand what he is saying during lecture. Take Calculus with any other teacher besides Balaguy. His tests and his class are much more difficult than the others

1.0
5.0
MATH30
Dec 28, 2008

Nice guy, but not recommended as a teacher. Lectures are quite incomprehensible, nothing he says makes sense..he makes things MUCH harder than they are/need to be. Very unorganized, never posts homework..in general, makes it very hard to succeed(unless you're already a genius, which he assumes you are). Fine mathmatician but horrible professor.

5.0
2.0
MATHB
Jan 15, 2009

Awesome teacher, very informative and engaging. Grading is easy if you do the work. Homework wasn't graded or collected, but I'm not sure if that's true in every class. Great teacher, I definitely recommend him.

5.0
3.0
MATH31
Feb 13, 2009

I had Balaguy for Math 30, and I just transferred into his Math 31 from another professor (because I liked him so much the first time). He's one of the nicest, most helpful professors I've ever had, and I've had a lot of them. People need to stop complaining and realize he's as good as they get. Don't buy into the hype about it being hard, it's not

3.0
4.0
MATH29
Mar 9, 2009

Very knowledgeable - probably one of the best at Sierra in this regard. His tests/quizzes are difficult, but I don't agree that they don't reflect the lecture/homework. His grading is tough but fair. Biggest complaint is that I find his lectures and handwriting basically incomprehensible. However, he goes out of his way to help you IF YOU ASK.

4.0
5.0
MATH33
Apr 7, 2009

He is certainly a unique professor. I love his lectures, they are interesting and understandable but his exams are very difficult and your grade is based solely on exams and quizzes so if you're not a good test taker, I would not recommend this class. It seems very few people pass this class with an A. But he's a great guy or should I say (bala)guy

4.0
5.0
MATH42
Apr 10, 2009

One of the best professors at Sierra. Test are hard, but relevant. He is beyond helpful. My only complaint is that he focuses way too much on the algebra. I had a tutor (mathematical engineer) who said the alegbra was beyond unncessary. I feel like he has an agenda (he wants college algebra to be a prereq) and uses students to prove his point.

5.0
5.0
MATH30
Apr 14, 2009

i love his lectures. it was always interesting and not boring. the homework is easy. the quizzes are easy. but for some reason, his tests are hard. and they do not relate to what you did on homework. ugh. so irritating. but as a teacher... he was completely AWESOME

4.0
5.0
MATH33
Apr 28, 2009

Professor Balaguy is by far my best math professor I've had in my life. He is very intelligent and knows how to teach the course he is teaching. NOT EASY! This course was very difficult. If you are looking for an easy, good grade, pick a different professor. If you are looking to learn the most you can, take DE with him. Highly recommended.

4.0
5.0
MATH33
May 14, 2009

Balaguy has clear strengths and weaknesses. His lectures and examples are very good, he prepares most of it as he goes along but it works very well, little confusion in understanding. However, at least this semester he was extremely busy, and more forgetful than other teachers. In terms of teaching he was on top of it but not administratively.

5.0
4.0
MATH31
May 15, 2009

This is the third semester I've had Prof. Balaguy. He is the best math teacher I've had in my life. It's true that his classes are probably the hardest math classes at Sierra, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Unreliable outside of class, but a fantastic teacher and a genuinely nice person. "Jeepers!"

1.0
5.0
MATH31
Nov 14, 2009

If you want math to comsume all your time take math from sierra college lol!!! thats what i found out from being a student @ the math department there for 4yrs. Hes a nice guy but i would never take him again due to the lack of his attendence to office hours, grading ect. BE aware

5.0
5.0
MATH32
Jan 15, 2010

Balaguy was the BEST math prof i ever had and simultaneously the HARDEST. I now attend Sac State and I've gotta say that even if you take him and not pass you will have learned SO MUCH MORE than alot of the other transfers I see here. Sierra prepares students (and i'm comparing MY experiences to my UC/CSU frenz)exceptionally well.again,I LOVED DAN!

5.0
3.0
MATH0030
Mar 4, 2010

Best math teacher I have ever had. Before taking his class I wasn't too interested in math. He got me to actually ENJOY it. He is VERY energetic and can explain every last bit of a question, although he does use some sophisticated vocabulary at times. He is very approachable. I am adjusting my schedule to be sure I take his classes in the future.

2.0
5.0
MATH30
Apr 9, 2010

Balaguy is a super hard teacher! Everyone thinks he's so great which I don't get. He talks way too fast and uses his crazy vocabulary to explain something that could've been said with 50 less words. He hardly ever goes out of the book and even if you study and do all the homework, the tests are clearly way harder than the homework and impossible!

5.0
1.0
MATHDMATH
Apr 28, 2010

I've read all comments before taking his class, and you guys scared me a lot. Even though English is not my first language I see how GREAT Dan is in math. He is not trying to teach you, he just playing with math because, as I think, he is GURU in math. IF YOU REALLY WANNA enjoy your math class, hardly working and studying, choose DAN!!!

5.0
1.0
MATH012
Jun 8, 2010

Awesome professor at sierra college! He is funny and uses words like jeepers to explain something lol. His teaching is the best, and i finished math 12 with an A. Need i say more?

5.0
4.0
MATH29
Sep 21, 2010

Best math teacher I've ever had. If you can't understand concepts from him, you don't belong in college.

5.0
5.0
MATH29
Dec 13, 2010

One of the best math teachers at Sierra. He is challenging, but you will finish the class knowing your stuff. A "C" in Balaguy's class bears more credence than an "A" in some other's.

5.0
5.0
MATH33
Jan 1, 2011

He's so smart that at times it's intimidating, but he's such a nice guy it doesn't even matter. Great teacher.

5.0
5.0
MATH33
Apr 4, 2011

His tests are difficult but he prepares you for them. He is clear but sometimes too fast. If you ask him to slow down, he will. He loves math and brings energy to class with him.(You will never be bored) He is one of the best math teachers I have ever had. I would recommend him to anyone who wants to learn math.

4.0
5.0
MATH42
May 10, 2011

good math prof, but usually goes too fast. he allows no note pages on exams, and the exams are hard. He doesn't do a good job reviewing the material before exams. HW is not graded, and the exams are almost the whole grade, which when combined with them being hard, makes for a hard class with already hard material. book rarely used outside of HW.

5.0
4.0
MATH42
May 21, 2011

Tough class, great teacher. He tells you that this is the hardest class you will take. Fast-paced, covers a ton of material. You will need the Math Lab to pass. No notes. Grading: No graded HW (but do it). ~15 quizzes (only the top ten count), 4 exams. The lowest exam or total quiz score is dropped. Final is worth 1.5 exams, and can not be dropped.

5.0
5.0
MATH31
May 21, 2011

Balaguy is a great teacher but his tests are extremely HARD. Our class average every test was always in the 60s. I did my homework and the practice exams but I still couldn't pass his tests. I would come in thinking I would get a good grade on the test and then have a nervous breakdown upon seeing the problems. Hard teacher, hard class.

4.0
5.0
MATHD1
Jun 20, 2011

Very excellent as per his knowledge. Speaks too fast. Helps you to truly understand the concepts. Tests INSANELY DIFFICULT. Kind with partial /extra credit. You'll need them both. A true TEACHER. Needs to grade on a curve, reduce difficulty of tests, or work with an ONLINE PROGRAM. Should probably make video of lectures avail. and sho HOW HW solut.

4.0
4.0
MATHB1
Jun 20, 2011

Learned SO MUCH. More than I thought existed on the subject. SO HARD tests. Kind w/extra/partial cred. Speaks too fast; if slower, I'd have understood more. Very knowledgeable. Best math TEACHER I've ever had, minus tests, spd. Needs2 make vids of lectures/tutorials of how to solv probs available. Could be much clearer about what he wants on tests.

3.0
5.0
MATH31
Jul 21, 2011

This guy is really a good teacher. Even his class is really hard, but he will give you a lot of chance to improve your grade. for example, we have almost 20 quiz in this semester, but he only count your top ten grades. And we have 4 exams, he will drop your lowest one. And his class is really helpful.

2.0
5.0
MATH12
Nov 2, 2011

I don't recommend taking this professor. He talks to fast and goes on with the history of who invented what formula. His exams are the worst and brags so much of how he's a "Mathmatician"

4.0
5.0
MATHD
Nov 30, 2011

Teacher is extremely brilliant, he knows what he is talking about. The drawback, his students don't. He is a very tough teacher and you have to be on your game. If you want to learn a lot, hes the best teacher for you. If you want an easy A, considering dropping him.

3.0
5.0
MATHA
Dec 10, 2011

He is very smart. He seems to enjoy math,he expects everyone to like math. He is not helpful at all. You need to already know what he is teaching as he expects to just review. He seems short tempered and impatient. Do not take him if you trying to learn math. If you know your stuff and just need the credit,he doesn't care if you show up for class

2.0
5.0
MATH31
Dec 12, 2011

This teacher's test are terrible! His quizzes aren't so bad, but the test's are impossible! He isn't the hardest math teacher at Sierra, but pretty close! He's extremely kind, and I liked him as a person, but not for his teaching! It would be one thing if his lecture and homework difficulty matched up with the tests, so there was no way to prepare!

2.0
5.0
MATHD
Apr 18, 2012

He is a very knowledgeable proffessor and has true passion for math. He is so smart he is almost incapapable of dumbing it down for those like me who struggle. He doen's teach to the book, complains daily about the book/author and how its H.S. level. He makes his own tests and quizes which don't reflect the book. Unless your great in math, Don't!

3.0
5.0
MATH42
Apr 30, 2012

For those of you debating taking M24 at Sac state or M42 at Sierra College, TAKE MATH 24 AT SAC STATE! Multiple choice exams in 24 plus the allowance of graphing calcs on exams! Not to mention notes available online AND only about a qtr. of the info in M42 is actually in M24! Much easier at Sac State than SC! DONT WASTE TIME taking M42 at Sierra!

2.0
5.0
MATH8
May 1, 2012

Very VERY frustrating. Extremely fast talker and he knows way too much to get on our level and teach us. Expects you to know everything when you're really just there to learn :( Ended up dropping the class because even AFTER 5 hours of continuous study sessions i got low scores. By the end of the semester, a class of 35-40 dropped to 12 students!

2.0
5.0
MATHA
May 15, 2012

Well he's a nice guy and all but we don't pay that much to go hang out with a nice guy for a few hours. He has no ability to teach math! My brother couldn't understand him in Calc either. Terrible teacher. Pick ANYONE else.

3.0
5.0
MATH42
Jun 19, 2012

This teacher is extremely nice! He is willing to go over problems again and explain them again if you miss something. He seemed genuine and sincerely wanted the students to understand. However, this is not an easy class. He talks really fast and is really smart. He gives difficult problems for tests and quizzes which are no notes, no graphing calc.

4.0
4.0
MATH29
Jun 20, 2012

Like other reviews noted, he talks fast! but he's also willing to go over problems that you didn't understand, and if you do all the assigned homework, you should not have too much trouble with the exams. over all, a really nice guy and a great teacher, he spends most of his office hours in the math center helping students.

4.0
5.0
MATH31
Jul 10, 2012

He is extremely brilliant, super hilarious and just an all around great guy. However, I must say this is a difficult class. He definitely challenges his students by testing you on your understanding of calculus concepts, rather than your ability to regurgitate information from a textbook. Great teacher, wonderful person, but just be prepared.

5.0
5.0
MATH42
Aug 31, 2012

This teacher is one of a kind. If you are looking for an easy A, this is not your class. .His exams are thinker questions but he does teach extremely well. The most approachable teacher and the most helpful teach I have ever encountered. He went out of his way, on his day off, to meet a group of us to help prepare for the final. Take Him!

5.0
5.0
MATH32
Oct 12, 2012

The most brilliant teacher I've ever met. If you just aim for an easy A, don't take his class. But if you're interested in Math, you'll learn a lot from him.

5.0
2.0
MATHD8161
Oct 16, 2012

Great teacher! We are always laughing and joking around but still get the work done. I would suggest that you take this class. I love it and look forward to coming to class everyday. Hes awesome and helps anyone who needs it! Yesterday we spent the entire day going over the homework from the night before!

3.0
4.0
MATHB
Oct 30, 2012

He is very difficult. He speaks way to fast and his tests have nothing to do with what he discusses in class! Balaguy never responds to e-mails. I would not recommend this professor if you struggle in math!!!!

4.0
3.0
MATHD
Nov 30, 2012

He is actually a really great teacher and explains new material in great detail. He likes to have people participate and pay attention...sometimes he'll make mistakes on purpose just to see if anyone will speak up about it! Of course there are times when it's not on purpose but meh it happens. Really smart guy though. Study your butt off for tests!

4.0
5.0
MATH12
Nov 30, 2012

Extremely good teacher. Very hard to keep up. Not an easy a class. Gives no homework

2.0
4.0
MATHD
Nov 30, 2012

His handwriting is IMPOSSIBLE to read. He was late to class and constantly lost quizzes and assigned test questions that we never covered in the book. He also never responded to e-mails. Overall, he is a nice guy, but he just has too much on his plate.

5.0
3.0
MATHB
Dec 6, 2012

Best math teacher I've ever had. If you need anything, just ask. He's also one of those rare mathematicians who possesses communication skills.

4.0
5.0
MATH8
Jan 9, 2013

I loved his personality and willingness to teach but he went way to fast and seemed more into proving theroms then teaching trig!

4.0
4.0
MATH8
Mar 6, 2013

A professor who is an absolute math genius. Very willing to help and teach, but make sure you know what he is talking about. His limitless knowledge will sometimes confuse students, so remember math terms and focus. Grades from tests/quizzes only, but tests are based off of quizzes and applying knowledge. If you know the material, you will do fine.

5.0
5.0
MATH33
Apr 25, 2013

Professor Balaguy is the best math teacher i have ever had. He knows his stuff. He explains things a little fast because there is so much material to cover but he will slow down if you ask him to. He even showed up on Saturday morning study sessions to help us. He loves math and wants everyone to learn.

5.0
4.0
MATH30
Apr 30, 2013

Balaguy is not an easy professor. He talks very fast and its easy to get lost in his language. On the plus side, hes very helpful and will go out of his way to make sure that everyone understands the material. The man is a math genius and his classes are never dull. Just make sure you're on top of things. Show up to class, pay attention, and study!

5.0
2.0
MATH30
May 2, 2013

I don't know why everyone says his tests are so hard. They're really not. They're about as straightforward as calculus can get. No trick questions. If you're solid on your fundamentals, they're a piece of cake. He's a great teacher, but he talks maybe a little faster than necessary. He's willing to help and hear you out if you wanna argue scoring.

5.0
3.0
MATH30
Jun 7, 2013

Terrific teacher, and a master in his field. Not recommended for people who struggle at math.

5.0
4.0
MATH42
Jun 10, 2013

He was the best Professor I have ever had! He would meet with us at Starbucks on the weekends to help us learn. I spent 142 hours in the math center but got an A in the class, so it was worth it. He is so funny and awesome. Great guy. Class is hecka hard but fun! He rocks. Super great christian guy.

5.0
4.0
MATH29
Sep 22, 2013

Great teacher. so helpful! very hard grading.

5.0
5.0
MATH3031
Oct 30, 2013

This is an extremely difficult professor. I've now been with him for 3 semesters, and I've loved the challenge. He does expect the students coming in to have a solid background in all math taken in the past, so that could be difficult as some test questions will blind side you. He is extremely helpful, and is a math genius.

3.0
5.0
MATH0031
Nov 16, 2013

Great guy, insanely difficult class. He will do a 20+ step problem and solve it in 3, and unless you constantly speak up about every one, he will assume you know EXACTLY what he's talking about. His tests are on topics that you learned in Algrebra 2, and he expects you know all of it.

5.0
4.0
MATH29
Nov 18, 2013

Very intelligent. One of the smartest people I have ever met. Super friendly and very helpful. He expects a lot, like others have said, but it really comes down to the student to do their part as he clears up some of the more difficult aspects.

3.0
5.0
MATH30
Nov 26, 2013

I won't recommend this class for somebody who are struggle at math!

5.0
1.0
MATH29
Dec 2, 2013

Prof. Balaguy is completely awesome, fun to listen to, and makes sure all questions get answered thoroughly. It's still math, so studying outside of class is almost certainly necessary if you want to do well, but he drops the lowest exam score and only keeps the top 10 quiz scores (out of 18-ish), which is great.

5.0
1.0
MATH8
Mar 18, 2014

the best teacher i have had in my life relyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy good

2.0
5.0
MATH33
Mar 25, 2014

Very disappointed. No homework is graded so very little feedback is given to the student. Tests are over material not taught. The lectures are confusing and too fast. I have gotten more out of online videos than from this professor. Smart guy, but he seems to be proving how good at math he is, rather than teaching. Average class grade is failing.

5.0
1.0
MATH0000A
Mar 28, 2014

AWESOME professor! He's passionate about Math and is very clear in explaining his lectures. By far the best teacher I've had at Sierra College in my years of being there.

5.0
5.0
ANYMATH
May 8, 2014

this class is good if you are good at math. but if you struggle with math donot take this class. only math contest is Extra credit each semester no more. If you do the homework and study hard easy C or B- but if you want A+ you should be very hard worker. at the End very good teacher very kind and sweet heart. he will help you a lot to pas.

4.0
3.0
MATH0029
Grade: B-
May 29, 2014

Great teacher, though I think we spent too much time talking about subjects that branch off from our class. His broken arm stickmen are classic though.

3.0
5.0
MATH12
Jun 3, 2014

Balaguy is the worst Math teacher I've ever had. I received an A in his College Algebra class that 70% failed). He's norganized, doesn't know how to connect with students who don't understand math, he teaches lower level math classes as if everyone is a Math major and tests on higher concepts than he has taught in class and are offered in the text.

5.0
5.0
MATH33
Jun 6, 2014

Definitely not for those weak at math. You can't be afraid to raise your hand if you don't understand something, or you will be left behind. Very informative and excellent teacher. Test questions are always much harder than problems in the text. You have to remember most of the previous math you learned, but lots of studying makes it passable.

1.0
1.0
PRECAL
Jul 16, 2014

not recommend

1.0
3.0
CAL1
Grade: A+
Jul 17, 2014

He might be a good professor, but he is not a GOOD person to talk. Just take another professor

5.0
3.0
MATH31
Aug 3, 2014

With this teacher you have to work for your grade. Very helpful and is always available in the math center for extra instruction. But his tests are challenging due to having remember all your previous math classes. So it would help to review and keep within reach your previous math notes. Great professor and one of the best teachers on campus.

1.0
5.0
MATH31
Aug 4, 2014

I have gotten A's in all previous math class, I am a hardworking student but Dan was not interested in helping his student succeed.He was constantly degrading, and belittling students because have forgotten some algebra or trig. He is a mathematician, who has unrealistic expectations and doesn't care about his students learning!

4.0
5.0
MATH31
Aug 26, 2014

Extremely hard professor. I have never had so many difficulties with mathematics before. I had to drop the class in fear of failing the class completely. Spent on average 20 hours a week on his class alone. Not recommended for anyone who is less than a Math genius.

5.0
5.0
MATH31
Oct 8, 2014

Balaguy is great. He teaches well and is extremely approachable. He is always smiling, and always willing to help. Some, if not most of the time, his lectures are hard to follow because he goes relatively fast, but i blame that for time constraints. and if you don't get something, he is extremely willing to slow down. Tests are very difficult

3.0
5.0
COLLEGEALGEBRA
Oct 27, 2014

Worst proffesor

5.0
5.0
MATH31
Nov 9, 2014

Had Professor Balaguy for two semesters in order to pass Calculus 2 (Math 31). You will LEARN a TON of math tricks in his class. He is a genius and you will have to try a lot and then some. But you are guarunteed to learn way more than any other professor for math. Study old tests and hound him for extra practice. He BENDS OVER BACKWARDS for stdnts

5.0
5.0
MTH31CALC2
May 4, 2015

You will remember this professor. Is he tough? Yeah. Do you have to work for it? Yeah. Welcome to life. If you make it through this guy, it'll be one of the most rewarding experiences of your academic career. YOU HAVE TO WORK THOUGH. Ask questions, he will answer. Ask for help, he will give it to you. Bends over backwards for students.

5.0
4.0
MATH29
May 9, 2015

Balaguy is the BEST math professor. YES, he is a math genius & his lectures can be difficult to follow but he doesn't mind extrapolating his ways. He will do anything and everything to help you. If you are going to take him you already know he has a rep for brutal exams so STUDY & ask for "Balaguy" problems. Pass Balaguy & you'll be set.

4.0
5.0
MATH17
May 21, 2015

Balaguy is a GENIUS, so asking questions may be a little intimidating. He isn't known for being easy. You have to work hard for your grade. BUT he's willing to help you pass IF you put the effort in. He's very approachable, friendly, and bends over backwards to help a student. Don't be afraid to take him! Passing this class is possible!

4.0
5.0
MATH17
May 22, 2015

The class is challenging but worth it at the end. He's one of the best & most dedicated professors at Sierra. I'm glad I was able to take a class with him.

5.0
2.0
MATH16A
May 24, 2015

He is really funny. He looks cheerful, but his tests are quite tough and you need to study seriously before his test. You just ned to do all his homework and look at those examples that he gave in the class because most f the questions on the test will be almost like those things. Anyway, he is a great professor. I would like to take him again.

4.0
5.0
MATH31
Grade: B
Jun 26, 2015

Balaguy is a mad genius. His exams are extremely rigorous and you will fail them if you don't dedicate much of your free time to studying. I had him for three different courses and the average class scores were usually around 40-50. No curve. You'll have sleepless study binges but you'll learn a ton. He's the only thing I'll remember about Sierra.

3.0
4.0
029
Grade: Not sure yet
Jul 30, 2015

He definitely does test hard, but for the first time i've actually learned so much more because of his test structure. His tests really make you think and derive the solutions. study his notes and make sure you clearly understand and master his examples, with that you are likely to pass his class!

3.0
4.0
MATH29
Grade: C
Aug 3, 2015

Doesn't collect homework so if you're irresponsible like me don't take the class.

3.0
5.0
MATH30
Grade: D
Aug 6, 2015

He will lecture and do something one way and expect a completely different method on the test. His tests are completely unfair, with an extremely low average. It's almost as if he is single-handedly trying to combat grade inflation by making his class so hard. I attend a university and have a high GPA but couldn't get a C in this summer class.

4.0
4.0
MATH30
Aug 9, 2015

Very difficult class. Expect the unexpected on his tests. Everything that he ever mentioned in class can and most likely will be on the test in some way.

4.0
4.0
MATH30
Grade: B
Aug 12, 2015

A math prodigy. Knows everything about math and will expect you to, as well. Simple criteria: If you are shaky on the prerequisite math courses (especially algebra), do not take him; you will not pass. Grades solely on tests, finals, quizzes (planned, not pop). Truly cares for students. Tests on anything in notes; not more, not tricky, but hard.

4.0
4.0
MATH17
Grade: B
Aug 26, 2015

Definitely not an Easy A, but he's there to help. Theres no lecture just worksheets. His group work strategy works well since its a class intended for teachers, it forces you to talk and explain reasonings. Group quizzes and tests, except the final. No book. Nice guy

3.0
5.0
MATH31
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Sep 9, 2015

Balaguy is a very nice teacher who is basically in love with math. Willing to help but you have to ask for it. HOWEVER, his lectures are very fast paced and are hard to understand. Test problems are WAY harder than lecture examples. He expects you to know all your math prior to entering this class. Never dropped a math class before until now.

1.0
5.0
MATH17
Sep 18, 2015

I paid to teach myself. He doesn't instruct students in any way and is not clear when he tries to help. You are put in groups, given a packet and pretty much told to figure it our. There are quizzes every wednesday, whether you actually learned the material or not. The homework is so much harder than the concepts sheets. He makes stuff up too.

3.0
5.0
MATH17
Oct 1, 2015

He doesn't lecture, so it's up to your group to work on the problems. His problems are hard, so ask questions. He's very approachable. The math lab saved me. So take advantage of that. Hound him for extra problems. It'll help you pass. I got an A and math isn't an easy subject for me. Basically if you actually try and don't give up, you'll pass.

5.0
5.0
CALC2
Grade: A
Oct 11, 2015

I will not take any other math professor at this school. He's a mad genius and one of the kindest men I've ever met. If I'm ever asked "what was Sierra college like?" somewhere down the road, my response will simply be "Balaguy." The guy is awesome. But beware. He is intensely difficult. Like, scary difficult. I don't think you quite understand...

3.0
5.0
MATH12
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 15, 2015

Nice guy. Will answer questions if asked. Does not always give homework for material that will be covered on exams. Not specific on what form he would like an answer given in exams. Exam questions are much harder than the home work given , which makes homework invalid. Even if you show up every class and do all the homework you may not pass!!!

3.0
4.0
MATH42
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 28, 2015

Hardest math class I have taken yet. Balaguy is genuinely a very nice guy, but as for his teaching he expects you to have a strong history in mathematics. He instructs in a fast manner, but if you ask for him to slow down/backtrack a bit he would do so willingly, otherwise he will not. Be sure to ask questions, get help as needed & stay up to date!

1.0
5.0
MATH30
Grade: A
Nov 8, 2015

He is a great man, kind, and very smart. He always smiles and truly loves teaching. He treats you like an adult when it comes to attendance and homework. My only gripe is that he makes the class too difficult that it should be I spent over 25 hours a week outside of class to study and figure out his trick questions, which I think took away learnin

4.0
5.0
MATH17
Grade: A
Nov 24, 2015

There's no lecture. This class is structured for students to work in groups. All worksheets, quizzes, and tests are done in groups. However, the final is done on your own. One or two math presentation is required. Worksheets, tests, and hw are super hard. But don't let that scare you. Balaguy is very kind, approachable and is ALWAYS willing to help

5.0
4.0
MATH12
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 25, 2015

Balaguy is an amazing professor and mathematical genius. he can teach math to a monkey. Often told us to "wait until a couple semesters" to apply concepts. flexible to learning styles and can define any term or prove any formula. Want to know why mathematical concepts work and prove it ? take him. life changing course. I no longer despise math.

4.0
4.0
MATH0030
Grade: C
Dec 4, 2015

Great guy, always full of energy and really cares about the student. He can get carried away and talk like a million words per minute, but he is always super helpful. He will brighten you day with his "Jeepers" and poofy hair.

5.0
4.0
MATH0031
Grade: B
Dec 16, 2015

Balaguy gives awesome, clear lectures. He will take the time needed to answer every question so that everyone understands what hes saying. If you try you will learn! But his tests are brutal, do as many of his own questions as you can to be prepared for the test, Quiz questions are all test level. He has a great attitude and is a really nice guy!

4.0
4.0
MATH012
Grade: C
Feb 17, 2016

Holy cow, this class was tough! His tests are sophisticated and at the university level. Be prepared to read the book, ask a lot of questions, make one on one appointments with him, visit the math center, etc... If you skip class, don't do homework, and don't study for a couple of hours a night, be prepared to fail.

5.0
5.0
DE33
Grade: A
Apr 23, 2016

Dan Balaguy gave me a gift. I am forever grateful. If you want an understanding of math, DO NOT HESITATE, take his class. If you don't care about using math in the future, do not, under any circumstances, take his class. He is incredibly helpful, completely brilliant, and brutal. You have been warned. P.S. Ask questions during class!!!

1.0
5.0
CALC2
Grade: B-
Jul 5, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Teaches his class like everyone is mathematically gifted, skips steps and does a poor job explaining why. I heavily supplemented this class with youtube tutorials in order to pass.

4.0
5.0
MATH0033
Grade: B
Aug 3, 2016
Would take again

Dan is an amazing teacher. He dedicates a huge amount of time to his students both in and out of class. Beware though, he gives ridiculously hard (but doable) tests and quizzes. His presentation can also be unclear at times, and his answers more theoretical than they need to be. But if you want to prepare for a serious mathematical career, take him

5.0
4.0
MATH0029
Grade: A
Aug 17, 2016
Would take again

True Legend

Respected
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
CALC2
Grade: B
Aug 18, 2016
Would take again

Probably the best math professor I've had so far. Dan is quite inspirational and ever cheerful when it comes to helping students and tackling difficult problems. I felt that his classes were quite memorable! Class is tough as it is calc 2, and you got to work for it.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
MATH42
Grade: B
Aug 30, 2016
Would take again

Very hard class. But, at the end of the semester you can say you learned something, because he makes you understand it.

Tough Grader
Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
3.0
5.0
CALC32
Sep 6, 2016
Wouldn't take again

His lectures are good... if you can actually keep up. He is an insanely fast talker and an even fast thinker. He often asks the class questions and there's usually crickets because people are 4 minutes behind trying to write/interpret what he was doing before. He's insanely smart though

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
3.0
MATH29
Grade: B+
Nov 11, 2016
Would take again

he will always help if u need it

Respected
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
Caring
5.0
5.0
MATH0030
Nov 23, 2016
Would take again

Jeepers! I took Mr. Balaguy's calculus class, expecting a somewhat easy course, but got the hardest class I've ever had. If you do not have a solid understanding of advanced algebra and pre-calculus (matrices, hyperbolic functions, properties of natural logarithms, synthetic division) you will not pass. He is very caring, but very very very hard.

Tough Grader
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Caring
3.0
5.0
MATH32
Dec 11, 2016
Wouldn't take again

The only things going into your grade are quizzes and tests. Practicing is on your own, though the level of difficulty of the book problems compared to his test problems are far easier, so it's difficult to feel adequately prepared for the tests. He is obviously very brilliant with math, and wants to make sure everyone understands, but moves fast.

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
5.0
MATH0031
Mar 23, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Professor Balaguy is a terrible professor. He may be nice, but he is ridiculously hard. He is very smart, but a good math teacher is not one that is smart. A good math teacher makes hard and complicated topics clear and easy to understand. Balaguy talks too fast, makes his tests too hard, and is impossible to follow in lectures.

Tough Grader
Gives good feedback
1.0
5.0
MATH0031
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 20, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Dan is very intelligent but that doesn't make him an amazing teacher. His tests and quizzes are really challenging. If you want to pass get ready to live at the tutor center. Also find past tests and quizzes and focus on those rather than the homework. Ask him questions during no matter how dumb you may look

Tough Grader
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
TEST HEAVY
5.0
4.0
MATH12
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 21, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Professor Balaguy is a really good teacher but his tests are super hard. his homework is not mandatory he gives quizzes in class and take home but only grades top 10 and drops one test so you have a great chance of passing but you have to bring your A game

Gives good feedback
Respected
TEST HEAVY
4.0
4.0
MATH012
Apr 22, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Daniel Balaguy is an absolute genius in his field. I have learned more in one semester with him than any other math professor in my educational career. Unfortunately, I was always one step behind in his class. He moves along so fast it is very easy to find yourself confused. I would always understand the concept when it was far too late.

Gives good feedback
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
TEST HEAVY
2.0
5.0
MATH31
Jun 14, 2017
Wouldn't take again

If you're used to math professors who give steps on how to solve a problem and tips/tricks to help you, then you won't like Balaguy. Balaguy comes up with questions off the top of his head and quickly solves the problem in his head without showing half the steps on the board. He talks extremely fast and is almost impossible to keep up with in lect.

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
MATH30
Grade: B
Aug 9, 2017
Would take again

Dan is a really smart teacher who's enthusiastic about math and is extremely helpful. He doesn't collect homework, but will assign problems and go over them at the beginning of each class. Beware of his tests, as he writes his own problems that are a lot more elaborate than the problems in the book; ask him to write you some practice problems.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
5.0
MATH012
Nov 1, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Don't take his class(es) if you are not planning on expanding in the area of math or just don't "get" it. His lectures are lightening speed, he skips steps, doesn't use canvas, and doesn't respond to emails. Also, his test/quiz questions are formatted differently than the textbook homework he assigns. The only things graded are tests and quizzes.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
2.0
5.0
MATH81689
Dec 11, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Mr. Balaguy is a mathematical genius with one flaw; he expects all of his students to be a genius like him. Dan is a great guy who truly wants you to learn and do well, but his tests are nearly impossible and the hw doesnt really match the tests at all becasue he writes his own problems.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
Tests are tough
5.0
4.0
MATH0030
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2017
Would take again

Pay attention in lecture and take notes. Dan is extremely helpful and on campus a ton! Keeping up with him during lecture can be difficult, but it is important that you write down all of his example problems because they are EXTREMELY similar to the problems on his exams. Do the work, go to tutoring, get an A.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
5.0
4.0
MATH33
Feb 26, 2018
Would take again

Amazing professor, amazing mathematician, amazing lecturer. His class is hard and you're going to have to work, but its college, get used to working hard. I learned a lot of time management and study skills from taking his class. (took 31 and 33, wish I could have taken 32 with him)

Respected
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Caring
1.0
5.0
MATH0029
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 23, 2018
Wouldn't take again

The pace at which he grades is ludicrous. The lectures have no structure or flow. The problems he puts on the quizzes are very hard and challenging and sometimes were not even related to the previous lecture. He is ok at the lower level courses but anything related to calculus is a no from me.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
5.0
CALC01
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
May 9, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Jeepers! A great teacher and genius. He expects a very high level of sophistication that you cant get from the textbook alone. Ask him for previous exams and quizzes. Use these to prep for exams. He is consistent with his exams. He is very accessible outside of class and spends majority of his time helping students.

Tough Grader
Respected
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
MATH30
Grade: B
May 10, 2018
Would take again

Very clear lectures. Always positive and very approachable. You can tell he enjoys teaching math. Take his class, go to lectures do the homework and youll come out a better student a more confident than when you first started. He is truley a great teacher and Im grateful to have learned calculus from him.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
MATH012
Grade: B
Aug 23, 2018
Would take again

Professor Balaguy goes through lecturers at lightning speed, which can be a plus sometimes. He was always so upbeat everyday in class and even let one of our tests be dropped the lowest one I mean. I respect him.

Tough Grader
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Caring
1.0
5.0
CALC32
Nov 12, 2018
Wouldn't take again

If you're looking for a reason to change your Major then Dan is your guy.

Tough Grader
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
TEST HEAVY
5.0
5.0
MATH32
Grade: C
Nov 20, 2018
Would take again

Do not take with more than one other stem class. (seriously) Your whole grade is based on exams, which are harder than any physics or engineering exams at this level. you must be involved outside of classroom and dedicate time on all days to come to his office hours/optional lectures. Its almost right of passage to take Dan for 32 or 33 at Sierra.

Respected
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
TEST HEAVY
5.0
5.0
MATH30
Dec 6, 2018
Would take again

Inspiring teacher, if you love math. Best for those who have mastered prerequisites and who want deeper, more thorough coverage. His math is efficient, precise, and often elegant. His tests are challenging because he tests for complete understanding of the concepts, beyond mere memorization and completion of HW, though that is essential, too.

Tough Grader
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
1.0
5.0
MATH31
Dec 12, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Never under any circumstances take any math class with him. Exams are way too difficult, quizzes as well. Neither the homework nor the problems in the book do much to prepare you. You have to work that much harder in his class, yet not only get a lower grade compared to in another math instructor's class, but take a hit in your GPA.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
5.0
MATH0031
Grade: F
Apr 24, 2019
Wouldn't take again

While Balaguy shines as a wonderful professer with a deep and profound love for Mathematics, many students fail his classes (This may be because it's calc 2 and not his fault entirely). Balaguy is an amazing professor.

Respected
Accessible outside class
Tough grader
5.0
5.0
MATH0031
Grade: C-
May 22, 2019
Would take again

Calc 2 is the hardest subject with the Dan giving the hardest test. Semester started with 55 people in both of of his classes combined and were expecting only bout 8 or so people to pass. Still one of the best teachers I've ever had. Absolute sweetheart who wants you to learn and be excited about it. Just prepare to spend 250+ your semester studyin

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
5.0
5.0
MATH0030
May 30, 2019
Would take again

Took Dan's Calc 1 class. After the first test I dropped the class and changed my major from engineering to history. Dan's class was not only fun, but he was a fantastic teacher and great to talk to. I just was not cut out for engineering, and I am thankful that I took his class, because his class showed me that. One of the best professors I've had.

Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
Hilarious
1.0
5.0
MATH31
Grade: C
Jun 12, 2019
Wouldn't take again

DO NOT take his classes unless you are majoring in a hard science, or doing a pure math major. That's where all the 5s come from. For his calc classes you need to study AT LEAST 20-30 hours before every exam. Extremely hard tests, doing homework isn't enough, all test problems go way farther in the concepts. Expect to fail. 3/4 of my class dropped

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
MATH31
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 19, 2019
Would take again

Calc isn't supposed to be an easy class but Dan teaches the big picture. It's hard for some students to get used to his teaching pace but I would never take any other calc professor. He truly knows what he's talking about and tries to teach you so that you know it intuitively instead of a step by step process. Study exactly what he tells you to.

4.0
5.0
MATH31
Grade: B
Dec 21, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Dan is a really sweet guy and very available outside class. With that being said, Calc II with him is the hardest class I've ever taken. I think if you can make it through his class, you're well-prepared for moving forward in math (so I would recommend him if you're an engineering or math major). I had a 4.0 before taking this class for reference.

Accessible outside class
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
5.0
4.0
MATH33
Grade: A
Jun 30, 2020
Would take again

Professor Balaguy is very passionate about math, and even though the virus shook things up, he worked very hard to make sure that we learned the material and made the necessary accommodations for us to succeed. Just make sure that when you take a class with him you allocate enough time to properly study.

Respected
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
MATH31
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 19, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Even if your work is valid and the answer is correct, he still deducts points on exams if your work doesn't match his expectations. His lecture videos are useless as he blows through example problems by taking shortcuts but expects us to know how to get the answer the long way. Avoid at all costs.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
4.0
MATH12
Grade: C
Nov 11, 2020
Would take again

He's a good teacher, but PAY ATTENTION LOL!!! He moves very fast so take your notes quickly and ask questions later. For someone who's a fast learner he's perfect, but if you need a slower paced teacher, look else where

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
So many papers
1.0
4.0
CAL1
Grade: A-
Nov 13, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I don't know where to start! I have graduated with a Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering, but I had to take Calc 1 again for credit. This professor have no idea how to teach! He keeps skipping steps assuming everyone understands them and he REALLY likes to make his quizzes/exams hard. He makes many mistakes with his lectures as well!

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CALC2
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 20, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Exams are way harder than homework and quizzes. No extra credit at all. He docks points if you don't solve a problem the way HE wants you to, EVEN IF IT IS MATHEMATICALLY CORRECT! He doesn't actually teach, he just posts "lecture" videos of him quickly blazing through problems expecting us to understand how he solves them. Avoid at all costs.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH31
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 20, 2020
Wouldn't take again

AVOID THIS GUY! He does not teach at all. His exams and quizzes are way harder than any of the homework. If you have to take Calc 2, do not take this guy with a full load. You have to spend roughly 40+ hours a week doing the homework and preparing for the exams because he does not teach.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
4.0
5.0
MATH0031
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 23, 2020
Would take again

Dan is really a nice and kind prof. He does want you to succeed, but he has very high expectations. Expect to study for 35+ hours on test week. His exams are not unpassable, but they are hard. This is Calc 2 ladies and gentlemen, so be prepared for some work. I'd try to take a lighter course load to accommodate for the amount of work.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH0031
Nov 29, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Despite being converted to online, Dan does almost nothing to make the class easier. Lectures are short videos of him partially solving problems and skipping many steps (and making mistakes). He assumes you should know how to solve these problems and it's especially evident on exams that are 5 times harder than the homework.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
MATH0031
Grade: C-
Dec 5, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Seems to be a really nice guy but he does not teach at all. Like others have said, he teaches thru 5 minute videos of him going through a problem. The only thing in the gradebook are tests and quizzes. However, judging by reviews of other calc 2 professors at sierra, he might be your best chance at passing.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
3.0
5.0
CALC2
Dec 5, 2020
Would take again

Yes. Online math classes suck. Calc 2? Online? Good luck! Dan is a great guy. Really passionate about math but the way he set up calc 2 for Spring 2020, sheesh. 5 min clips covering topics that need hours worth of explaining. Shout-out to professor leonard to the rescue. Calc 2 is rough no doubt about. I'd prefer Dan over the other calc 2 teachers.

Test heavy
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
CALC2
Dec 6, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Seems like a nice guy, but he won't make the class easier for you. He expects way too much out of his students, even though he, himself, frequently makes mistakes. If you struggle with Calc, do NOT take this guy! He deliberately makes exams incredibly difficult and time consuming. I would probably take a chance at any other professor over this guy.

Lots of homework
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CALC2
Dec 8, 2020
Wouldn't take again

If you struggle with Calculus, Dan is not your guy. His lecture videos are 5 minutes long on average but are sometimes shorter and he skips steps. Be prepared to put in extra work. He wants you to be able to solve any problem he can come up with in his head. No curves, no extra credit. Over half of the class dropped. Avoid this guy.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
CALC2
Dec 11, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Dan does not know how to teach online. He posts 5-minute lectures to explain new math concepts and applies them to problems in which he skips steps and sometimes leaves problems unfinished. His exams are much harder than the homework and quizzes. So be prepared to self-study for the majority of his class. This class will probably drop your GPA.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CALC2
Dec 12, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Dan only partially teaches. His extremely short lecture videos are just him skipping steps, making mistakes and then telling you to finish solving the problem that he barely started. His office hours are a waste of time because he never fully answers questions. He deliberately makes exams harder than the homework and offers no EC or grading curve.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH31CALC2
Dec 16, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He seems to give us extremely challenging problems on exams that aren't anything like what we've done from the book and/or are incredibly time consuming. Only take his class if you've gotten at least a B in Calc 1. For the final, he gave us only 3 hours to solve 8 problems, almost twice as many as any other exam we took. He sets you up to fail.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
MATH0030
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 17, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Very difficult exam problems, much more difficult than examples and hw. Does not grade hw- hard to know if you are doing the work correctly. Does not answer emails. Zoom meetings were busy and few questions answered. Grades 10 quizzes, 3 exams, and a final. Grading method inconsistent. Showed him a grading error and is unwilling to fix it.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH31CALC2
Grade: D
Dec 21, 2020
Wouldn't take again

You will fail unless Calculus is your daily routine. The final exam consisted of two parts, each about 8 questions long and we were given 3 hours to complete it. Half of his students across all his classes quit by November. No extra credit, no grading curve. He is also constantly late to office hours and assigns hw that isn't even on exams. AVOID!

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
CALC31
Dec 29, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I took Prof. Balaguy during for his online coarse and I hope his online teaching doesn't represent how he teaches in a classroom. His lectures consisted of a couple min. videos explaining a whole section. You have to do a lot of your own research and studying to learn any of the material. Tests and quizzes were much different/harder than lessons/hw

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CALC2
Grade: D
Dec 31, 2020
Wouldn't take again

If you're thinking about taking this guy, don't. He WANTS the class to be incredibly difficult. His lectures are 2-3 minute videos of him coming up with a problem, partially solving it, and then telling us to finish solving it. Exams are nothing like the homework, and they make up 80% of the final grade. Homework isn't counted either.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CALC2
Grade: D
Jan 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Do not take his class, especially online. I tried to communicate with this professor through email several times and he continued to ignore my questions. I begged him to grade my first exam for months and he never ended up grading it before the final so I could study. Lectures are quick videos of little explanation and him assuming we can finish.

Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
4.0
MATH0031
Grade: A
Jan 12, 2021
Would take again

He's a great guy and teacher, doesn't really deserve all the hate he's getting here; it's a hard class. The grade depends on your exam scores, but there are some quizzes to cushion. He is helpful and his lectures make sense, but you'll have to do all the homework and watch youtube videos too if you want a good grade. He's reasonable.

Accessible outside class
Test heavy
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
5.0
CALC2
Grade: D
Jan 24, 2021
Wouldn't take again

He's a nice guy, but he ignores a lot of questions and emails. I'd recommend taking a light load if you're taking Dan's class. He refuses to acknowledge grading errors and his lecture videos are completely unhelpful. He gives out a lot of homework but doesn't grade it, and almost none of it helps on the exams. Get ready for a lot of self-studying.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CALC2
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 19, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Only 5 questions on the midterm. Most failed. He doesn't explain material, says he'll leave it up to the students to figure it out. Barely 20-25 of video on a 4cr. Goes over 1 example only. Leaving it to the students to figure it out. Advice to take math at another college. Don't say you weren't told about how bad the math stem program is.

Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CALC2
Mar 19, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This is the type of professor that you lie about and recommend to the people that you do not like. This professor is so bad. It's a pandemic and so much more difficult for students because of this professor.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CALC2
Mar 23, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I can't believe people reviewed based on kindness and not quality. This professor is kind to barely explain in his videos, teaching the minimum, to select quizzes and exam questions not covered, for students figure it out for themselves. His assistant is kind to not be helpful. Those who wrote nice things are either his assistants or Pollyanna.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH030
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 5, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Unless you are a savant and/or want to spend all of your time doing Calculus, Balaguy is not the professor for you. Grading is extremely tough, the exam questions provided are ones much more difficult than the homework or lectures. The assigned tutor helps, but if you have to work for a living, get ready to dump it for this class.

Test heavy
Tough grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
5.0
CALC2
Grade: D
May 13, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Dan is very reluctant to teach and help students pass. Lectures are 2-3 minute videos of him partially solving problems, telling you to finish them, and not giving the answers. Exam questions are 10x more difficult than the homework, and he has no EC or grade curves. His office hours are garbage. If you struggle with Calculus, Dan is NOT your man.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH33
Grade: A
May 21, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I took him in person before the pandemic and also during the transition semester, and just want to assure everyone that he's more demanding in person. He has a cult following at Sierra, formed from outliers who enjoy abuse. He seemed to care more about appearing superior to students than imparting methods. Wait a semester if he's the only option.

Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH31
Grade: F
May 23, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Dan has no motivation to actually teach. He makes his exams 10x harder than the homework and quizzes and is very restrictive in offering partial credit. Half of our class dropped by the end of the semester, and only 7 of the remaining students passed. I'd enroll somewhere else to take Calc 2 since he's the only one at Sierra who teaches it.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH0030
Grade: C-
Jun 19, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This prof was never available through email, gave lectures through 8+ pre recorded youtube videos per week, as well as unnecessarily confusing and difficult quizzes every week that went beyond the realm of "helpful" and crossed over to being overly confusing in ways that took away from the point of the actual material that was meant to be learned.

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH0031
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jun 19, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I understand calc 2 is hard. Balaguy feels like hes flexing on his students how good he is at math half the time with his insane introductory problems. He is not a teacher. He just shows you how hard he can make your problems on exams and you have to actually learn the material from youtube. Wish he wasn't a way of passage.

5.0
2.0
MATH0031
Grade: A
Aug 17, 2021
Would take again

There is no assigned homework for this class, so that means it is up to you to study at your own time. The lectures are fast paced but packed with information. The quizzes and exams only cover what was learned in class. Outside of class studying is a must of you want to be successful in this course. Definitely take the class with Dan. 10/10-IGN

Respected
Graded by few things
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
MATH0031
Grade: B+
Oct 10, 2021
Wouldn't take again

The class was incredibly difficult due to overly difficult tests without good lectures and reasonable explanations. The solutions on the test often span a whole page with 6 questions and each page being completely filled, the solutions aren't in any way clean leading to very difficult time struggles (2 hours). Also makes grading mistake frequently.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH0031
Grade: B+
Oct 10, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Lectures don't show him explaining concepts but instead his superiority. Test are far more difficult than anything he would touch in lectures. Never available for contact emails wouldn't get answered for months. Incredibly harsh grader often times making mistakes in the grading. Solutions on the tests are messy and ugly showing no finesse of math.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
MATH0030
Grade: B
Nov 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Prof. Balaguy doesn't teach. He genuinely will skip 3 steps and assumes you know what's going on. He also writes and talks incredibly fast so you don't have time to comprehend what he's saying. I wouldn't take his course unless you have lots of time to study and don't mind spending your time at the math lab

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH0030
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 13, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Easily one of the worst teachers I've ever had. Quizzes were often unavailable with no explanation, close to zero communication, lectures were bad, and every single person I talked to dropped the class.

3.0
4.0
MATH0030
Grade: C
Nov 17, 2021
Would take again

The class was very difficult at the beginning due to the fast pace and no review but, a trick to making class doable is to ask questions constantly, he will gladly stop what he is doing and explain or prove something again, even basic algebra. he likes jokes and whatnot so feel free to butt in he will laugh. make time for office hours.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
MATH30
Dec 19, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor Balaguy is a great dude if you talk to him like a normal person but in the classroom his brain goes a mile a minute. His lectures are so fast paced that its difficult to keep up. He skips steps a lot of the time and will go over what he skipped only if you ask. You cant always ask questions because he will have already moved on.

Tough grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
MATH31
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jan 10, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Assigns homework that does almost nothing to prepare you for exams, which are harshly graded. I got roughly 75% of the steps right in one problem, and he didn't give me any partial credit. I dropped the class after the 2nd month. If you need to take this class for credit, you're better off taking it at a 4-year school.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
5.0
5.0
MATH32
Grade: A
May 17, 2022
Would take again

Dan is an amazing teacher for anyone serious about math, he is incredibly knowledgeable. He goes very fast so you have to stop him to ask questions, but he is always happy to explain anything regardless of how simple. He typically provides past exams for studying and those will be your best resource, do them and ask questions.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
MATH31
Grade: A
May 21, 2022
Would take again

Let's just say he's not the best at teaching since he does move very quickly so ask lots of questions he will answer all of them completely. You're going to have to put in a lot of outside time. The best advice is to study from the past quizzes and exams. I found he was a very fair grader on the assignments and let us drop some quizzes.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
4.0
MATH32
Grade: A+
Sep 26, 2022
Would take again

If you are not confident in your math skills, you may struggle. However, if you really enjoy math and feel you are confident in your abilities, he is amazing. Balaguy is one of the best teachers I've had at professors. He really knows the content and moves fast. He is easy to understand and respects his students. Do the homework and pay attention.

Amazing lectures
Caring
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
MATH29
Oct 2, 2022
Wouldn't take again

This Professor was horrible. The lectures go by so quickly and most of the stuff he mentions during lecture dont even apply to the homework. Hated this class. Made me hate math even more than I already did. The homework load is so overwhelming, it feels like you cant even catch up with all the stuff he assigns. DONT SKIP!

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
MATH31
Grade: A
Oct 5, 2022
Would take again

Dan is a wonderful individual and great lecturer! He has a strong command of mathematics, so his lectures are often rich with mathematical information. The only downside to some is how fast he lectures and the perceived difficulty of his exams. You can do well on his exams if you review old ones, trust me.

1.0
5.0
CALC3
Grade: Incomplete
Oct 7, 2022

Class average on test was 35%, no curve given. Halfway through and he has only graded one assignment. Cancels class repeatedly. Teaches concepts that aren't in the textbook he says to use. Throws tricks on tests that he has not taught then says it's not his fault we were never taught them before. Very unfair tests and grading. Crazy fast lectures

Test heavy
5.0
4.0
ANYMATH
Grade: B+
Nov 18, 2022
Would take again

Easily the most enjoyable, wholesome, and caring teacher ever, period. His lectures are entertaining, and I have never felt more confident with math than with him. When he is not teaching, he spends his hours at the math center helping students and is the definition of an amazing teacher. If you have the option to take his class, TAKE IT.

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
5.0
029
Grade: F
Dec 7, 2022
Would take again

I love professor Balaguy. He is a very kind and patient person while also being very knowledgable on the topics he is teaching. A lot of people e do not like him and while I understand why it also seems like they don't try very hard or care very much either way. By the end of the class the class had shrunk from 30 to 7 and everyone had dropped.

Tough grader
Clear grading criteria
Lots of homework
3.0
5.0
MATH29
Dec 9, 2022
Wouldn't take again

This class was tough and fast but I think thats just how he teaches. He will answer your questions happily and is available at the Math Center for help. If you dont ask questions or at least try, you wont pass. He is fair but the class just has a lot to cover. I wont take him again though.

Participation matters
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
MATH31
Grade: D
Dec 19, 2022

Ignore all the 4-5 star reviews on here. They're either posted by students who are 10x smarter at Calculus than the rest of their peers or the professor himself. The fact of the matter is that this guy grades harshly and makes his exams incredibly difficult. Over half of the class dropped. Do not trust any positive reviews about this guy.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
029
Grade: A
Jan 2, 2023

Don't take his class if you aren't willing study math 24/7. Balaguy taught at an extremely fast pace and would cover all topics as if they were review meaning you already had to at least somewhat understand the concept in order to understand anything he is saying. You learn everything by doing the insane amount of homework. 17/30 students dropped.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
MATH32
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jan 23, 2023

DO NOT take this professor, He is a great person and you can tell he knows his stuff. But his exams are nothing like what is taught in class and they account for basically the entire grade. The first exam the class average was a 35% and we were given no curve, the entire class had to withdraw the class.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
5.0
MATH32
Grade: B
Mar 3, 2023

He is extremely knowledgeable, his lectures are extremely fast paced, and he expects you to know more than you probably do. However, he is very accessible outside of class, and you can ask him any question and he has no problem answering it. By far the hardest class I've taken. I only passed because of Professor Leonard on YT. Good luck.

Caring
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
4.0
MATH32
Grade: Rather not say
May 23, 2023
Would take again

I understand what people mean when they say that Mr. Balaguy teaches at a fast pace. Understand that he is simply teaching you the many calculus topics that are on the syllabus in the time given. He usually spends time reviewing material before an exam to help people prepare. If you want to pass, expect to do 2 hours of homework a day. sorry! =(

5.0
3.0
MATH0033
Grade: A
May 26, 2023
Would take again

I had Dan for Calculus III and Differential Equations/Linear Algebra. Strong math fundamentals are extremely important, and worth practicing (e.g. being able to do PFD quickly on an exam). His overall format is fairly predictable by looking at past exams and just talking to him. If you spend time practicing your problem solving you will do well.

Participation matters
Respected
Graded by few things
5.0
4.0
MATH0030
Sep 10, 2023
Would take again

Balaguy is definitely a smart professor and genuinely wants the best from his students, but I can absolutely see where people found him too difficult. He lectures *very* fast, and it's usually difficult to keep up with what he's writing and talking about, but he will answer every question seriously, so just ask him what's going on if you're stumped

Gives good feedback
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
CALC1
Grade: C
Dec 4, 2023

Mr. Balaguy was a cool person, but his teaching techniques suck. He rushed through the whole course with minimal coverage. He also doesn't update your grade until after the course is over and doesn't tell you what will be on the tests, so you have to study the whole enormous chapters.

Beware of pop quizzes
Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
3.0
MATH0029
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 8, 2023
Would take again

I had this professor for pre-calc. It's a very fast paced course so it can get hard to keep up. He'll answer any questions you have even if it takes up class time and wouldn't care he wants you to understand. Only quizzes and exams are graded so he expects you to do homework because he can tell if you haven't. good professor just hard class

Caring
Respected
Accessible outside class
5.0
4.0
MATH32
Grade: A
Dec 17, 2023
Would take again

If you study the past exams and quizzes, you will do fine. Balaguy can answer any of your questions and is perfectly fine clearing any misunderstandings. You can drop one of his 3 tests, and only your highest quiz grades are counted. This was the best math course I have ever taken. Hoping to get him again for LinAlg/ODE next fall. Would recommend!

Caring
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
2.0
MATH32
Grade: A+
Dec 17, 2023
Would take again

Took math 32 with dan. He is incredibly kind and caring, and will work tirelessly during and after/before/outside of class to answer any questions. If you do the previous exam questions that he posts, you will ace the tests. If you have a good math foundation, it's easy. Loved Dan. Plus, you get 10 free extra credit points for the math contest!

Caring
Respected
Graded by few things
5.0
5.0
MATH32
Grade: A
Mar 3, 2024
Would take again

Balaguy is the best! I've never learned so much in such a short time. He lectures quickly and expects students to master the courses' prerequisites. The class is graded from 3-4 exams (1 drop) and your 10 best quiz scores. Do the homework and past exams! Dan's always available in the math center to review your work and invent new practice problems.

Tough grader
Gives good feedback
Inspirational
5.0
4.0
CALC31
Grade: Rather not say
Apr 23, 2024
Would take again

Balaguy is a great teacher. Fast pace. Expects you to understand prerequisites and current material.

Tough grader
Amazing lectures
1.0
5.0
CAL1
Grade: F
Jul 3, 2024

Do not take this class. Writes worse than a 5 year old. Talks like a 5 year old. Can not explain a single thing. you will fail if you take his class. it is worth waiting another semester and taking it within a different teacher. I had a mental breakdown every single day because of this man, this man deserves to be fired.

Tough grader
4.0
5.0
DE33
Grade: B
Aug 7, 2024
Would take again

Dan is really passionate for math; puts lots of effort to help students. Unfortunately, over these last 2 semesters I've slowly seen him make more mistakes in lectures, be a little more disorganized, and had multiple health issues come up. I truly wish the best for him but his age might be getting to him. Only take if you are passionate about math.

Tough grader
Caring
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
CAL1
Grade: F
Aug 22, 2024

Horrible teacher. You will regret taking a class with man. Made me cry over work everyday. Was not at all helpful when I asked for help.

Tough grader
4.0
5.0
MATH32
Grade: B+
Sep 19, 2024
Would take again

Balaguy teaches at a fast pace, but he's always available to clarify doubts. The exams are challenging, but doing the homework and past papers can help you ace them. For additional prep, I found unstuckstudy ai to be a super helpful study tool alongside other resources like Professor Leonard's videos.

5.0
4.0
MATH30
Grade: A
Sep 22, 2024
Would take again

Was a good professor. I really felt like I left that class prepared for Calculus II. Teaches material very accurately and concisely. I would recommend looking at past Quizzes and Exams he posts on Canvas.

Gives good feedback
Lecture heavy
5.0
5.0
MATH31
Grade: B
Nov 12, 2024
Would take again

Love Balaguy. Calculus 2 with him is almost a rite of passage at sierra. If you want to have razor sharp algebra skills and be able to do PFD and IBP in your head in a matter of seconds he is your guy. Very passionate and willing to slow down and answer any questions the class may have. You will have to do hours of homework to stay afloat though.

Tough grader
Amazing lectures
Accessible outside class
5.0
5.0
MATH33
Grade: D+
Nov 23, 2024
Would take again

Extremely difficult, extremely caring. gives out phone number and is available even on late nights, he is very strict in his math and will not try to relate it or explain it in a relatable or irl application this makes the content difficult to visualize but easy to find a formula that works and go with that. ask questions and joke around with him.

Tough grader
Respected
Accessible outside class
5.0
5.0
DE33
Grade: C+
Nov 23, 2024
Would take again

Dan is an amazing professor who is extremely passionate about math. I took Dan for both Calc 3 and DE and these were the two of the hardest classes I have taken in my entire life. If you are not passionate about math or don't have a good foundation in algebra/geometry, be prepared to play catchup. That said, he genuinely wants to see you succeed.

Tough grader
Respected
Accessible outside class
2.0
5.0
MATH0033
Grade: F
Dec 9, 2024

Dan is a fine professor that clearly knows his stuff, but his classes cover a lot of material. He expects you to know everything you have ever learned in a math classroom and remember it perfectly forever. He is very approachable, but it can be difficult to understand what He is saying if you have never taken Him before.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Respected
2.0
4.0
MATH0029
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 14, 2024

Prof was always willing to pause lecturing and clarify questions. Precalc is a hefty course, so the fast pace was a struggle for me. In class, he made a lot of arithmetic errors and his handwriting is hard to read sometimes. For success, I recommend looking at past exams and attending tutoring. If you can pass his class you can pass any math class.

Tough grader
2.0
5.0
029
Grade: C+
Dec 23, 2024

I feel that Dan failed to teach my class adequately. In week 9 he wrote our midterm grades on the board, of a class of 40 people, 20 had already dropped, 16 people failed 3 people passed with a C and one passed with a B. This class had a 90% failure rate. Take a different precalc professor if you want to keep your sanity.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
4.0
CAL1
Grade: B
Dec 27, 2024
Would take again

Hands down the best math teacher I've ever had. I'm at CSUS now, otherwise I would have taken him for Calc 2 and 3. He has all the qualities that you think of when you think of "the best" teachers. Ask questions if you don't understand something! He'll go over it as many times as you need, until you get it!

Inspirational
Respected
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
MATH31
Grade: D
Jan 16, 2025

You will fail. Class averages on every exam were lower 50%. Only one person got 100% on every single test. If you are not a Math major this teacher will ruin your semester and your gpa. Look for anyone but this teacher. Did not know my grade until it popped up on the transcript, he will NOT post your grade on Canvas throughout the whole semester!

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
4.0
5.0
MATH31
Grade: C
Jan 19, 2025

He is very understanding and kind professor BUT his lectures are very fast and heavily loaded with advanced material. His expectations of you mastering your prerequisite knowledge is very high. 70% of the class would fail each test and only 1 or 2 students would get an A or B. If you pass this class you can achieve ANYTHING in life. Good Luck.

Tough grader
Caring
Test heavy
5.0
5.0
ANYMATH
Grade: B
Apr 13, 2025
Would take again

Best math teacher (best teacher - any subject) I've ever had. Took him for cac1 (math 30) and I'm taking him for calc2 (math 31) next semester. His exams are challenging. They're tough. But you will not find a better math teacher. PS...I'm not a natural math guy. I feel like it's harder for me than most. So he's not just for math geniuses.

Amazing lectures
Respected
Accessible outside class
5.0
5.0
MATH33
Grade: A
May 31, 2025
Would take again

Balaguy is the hardest professor I have ever taken and the fact that Math 33 is a 6 unit class doesn't help, BUT Balaguy is always willing to slow down, help, and clarify and questions any amount of times even going to the point of putting off the planned lectures to the next day until the questions stop. Balaguy is a great resources to learn.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Respected
5.0
4.0
DE33
Grade: A
Dec 1, 2025
Would take again

Dan Balaguy is a wonderful person. He is clearly incredibly passionate not just about math, but about his students and about teaching. He is a tough grader and his fast lectures and messy hand writing can be a lot but you get used to it quick, and he will never leave you behind in lectures. He will ALWAYS stop to answer questions in or out of class

Tough grader
Caring
Accessible outside class
5.0
5.0
CAL1
Grade: B
Dec 23, 2025
Would take again

Professor Balaguy is probably the best math professor I've had. He doesn't play about his students and never leaves anyone behind. Although attendance is not mandatory, skipping his lectures will result in struggling on the tests. His exams were fairly difficult but if you pay attention in lectures you should be fine. Highly recommend him!

Gives good feedback
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

33%

Textbook Required

59%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

95% confidence
Based on 80 grades
Most common grades:
A (20)
B (19)
Drop/Withdrawal (12)
Grade Distribution
A(24)B(21)C(14)D(21)F(6)A-/B+(6)
Based on 107 reported grades
A: 20
B: 19
Drop/Withdrawal: 12
Not sure yet: 11
Common Tags
Tough grader (52)
Test heavy (37)
Respected (21)
Skip class? You won't pass. (20)
Caring (15)
Accessible outside class (15)
Lecture heavy (15)
Get ready to read (15)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.78 avg change
Nov
Dec
Jan
Apr
May
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MATHTRIG

5.0

(1)

MATH16A

5.0

(2)

CALC01

5.0

(2)

MATH

5.0

(3)

MATH3133

5.0

(1)
+55 more courses
Difficulty by Course

MATHTRIG

5.0

MATH3133

5.0

ALLMATH

5.0

MATH830

5.0

CALC3

5.0

Similar Professors